include: Combined Heat & Power (CHP) system (aka cogeneration system) consisting of dual fuel combustion gas turbine generators (CTG), Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG), Steam Turbine Generator (STG), dual fuel boilers, electric driven centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, and related auxiliary equipment.
Monitor and Make Adjustments to Plant Equipment and
Processes
- Conduct routine inspections and log equipment parameters at
multiple sites, ensuring plant systems are being operated properly.
Perform chemical analysis (including adding chemicals to water used
in the heating, cooling, and power generation systems) and make
adjustments as necessary. Follow applicable permits, contractual
agreements, operating procedures, policies, and safety
practices.
- Oversee operation of DIST systems including load management of
university 15kV MicroGrid, Chilled Water (CHW) loop, and Steam
Distribution system.
- Monitor and assist in observation of building metered demands
and consumption.
- May need to operate a university vehicle to complete
duties.
Maintain and Repair Equipment
- Perform troubleshooting and initial Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
of equipment failures and operational upsets. Complete minor
repairs and preventative maintenance.
Plant Safety and Security
- Administer and control lock-outs/tag-outs (LOTO) of equipment
with maintenance personnel and Contractors.
- Control physical access in and around the plant. Monitor
process and supervisory control network activity. Make proper
notifications when plant physical or control network security is
compromised.
- Attend safety trainings and meetings as scheduled
Maintain Plant Cleanliness
- Ensure plant and equipment is free of dirt, clutter and debris.
Paint plant components where required.
What You Should Know
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
- This is shift work and requires working evenings, weekends,
holidays, and high-volume overtime schedules and is subject to the
on-call policy. This is an essential services position, and is
required to respond after hours during emergencies and report to
work for regular assigned shift during emergency campus
closures.
- The incumbent can enhance their number of days off by working
12-hour shifts.
- These positions typically work 14-16 days or nights per
month.
- This position is eligible for our Facilities Management
Employee Referral Program .
What We Can Offer
- The salary rate for this role is $73,000 annually. Candidates
are eligible to receive up to two 5% increases in base pay once
required system-specific certifications are completed. There is a
14% night shift differential, a 20% weekend shift differential, and
1.5 time pay for working holidays.
- Relocation assistance is available per department
guidelines.
Benefits
At the
University of Colorado Boulder , we are
committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our
employees. Our comprehensive
benefits package includes medical,
dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition
assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local
transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder
offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class
outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of
Forbes' America's Best
Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado
and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and
programs through the
CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be effective. Be supported. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- 4 years experience in District Energy or Central Plant steam
and chilled water operations. At least 1 year must have been
hands-on experience with any two of the following:
- Electrical Generation.
- Electrical Distribution.
- Steam Generation.
- Steam Distribution.
- Chilled Water Generation.
- Chilled Water Distribution.
- Distributed Control Systems such as Programmable Logic
Controllers (PLC).
Substitution:
Successful completion of a formalized apprenticeship program or
higher-level course work from an accredited, non-correspondence,
vocational, or trades school in Utility Plant Operation may
substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year
basis.
- Necessary Special Qualifications:
- Must have a valid Driver's License.
- Successfully pass the CU-Boulder "Boiler & Chiller Operator
Training Program" to become Control Room Board Qualified within 1
year of hire date or within 3 board tests.
- Successfully pass the CU-Boulder "Combined Heat & Power
(CHP) Operator Training Program" to become CHP Control Room Board
Qualified.
- Candidates are required to maintain qualifications for the
remainder of their career with Utility Services.
What You Will Need
- Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
- Strong ability to tackle problems.
- An ability to take initiative and display self-motivation.
- Able to remain level-headed should an emergency arise.
- Possess the ability to perform the physical aspects of this
role, including balancing, climbing stairs and ladders, crawling,
exposure to weather, and kneeling.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Experience operating Combustion Gas Turbines, HRSGs, Electric
Chillers and Steam Boilers. Experience operating high voltage
distribution switchgear.
- Experience operating Chilled water distribution systems.
- Qualified DCS operator.
- Qualified Boiler operator.
- Some formal education in Power plant operations/maintenance.
Preferred qualifications may be used to further reduce the pool of
applicants to those who are most highly qualified.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- Optional: A cover letter that specifically tells us
how your background and experience align with the requirements,
qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by
October 25, 2026 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For
consideration, please apply through
CU Boulder Jobs .
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in
any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying
information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school
attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting
or removing this information.
Essential Services
This position is designated “essential services.” The incumbent is
required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies
(snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man-made event)
and report to work for his / her regularly assigned shift during
emergency campus closures.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu
